A Sunny Mix of Old & New in California
A Sunny Mix of Old & New in California
Name: Celine and Christian Coly (and their son Damase)
Location: East Bay — Dublin, California
Size: 1,250 square feet
Years lived in: Rented 1.5 years
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Celine and Christian’s East Bay apartment is bright, airy, chic. Most importantly, it’s cozy and comfortable for the couple, their 9-year-old son and guests. As an interior designer, Celine is inspired by clean and minimal spaces, and though her home follows her design style, she and her husband make sure to add their personality to the space.
“I find inspiration in everyday life, and when we are traveling,” Celine says. “Other cultures inspire me a lot. There are so many talented people all over the world.” As she mentions in her survey, she’s still looking for the right spot to hang a painting the couple found in Senegal. “I absolutely need to find a way to incorporate it into the living room. My husband is from Senegal and it’s his stamp!”
One of the best features of the apartment is the bright light, which is one of the benefits of living in the sunnier East Bay. Each area is flooded with light throughout the day, including the balcony, where the couple can sit and enjoy a book or brainstorm what to do next in their home.
“Your home should be a reflection of who you are, what you love,” Celine says. “Surround yourself with people you love, place you like to visit, and take your time to find unique pieces that reflect the most who you really are.”
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Our Style: I love white, clean and airy spaces. We also loved mixing old and new. I will say our style is a mix of modern, old and minimalist. Our style is evolving with time and we are not afraid to play with furniture and object.
Inspiration: I find inspiration in everyday life, and when we are traveling. Other cultures inspire me a lot. There are so many talented people all over the world.
Favorite Element: High ceilings and white walls
Biggest Challenge: Storage and tiny kitchen, meaning that we really need to stay organized. The kitchen is a tiny space that is hard to utilize.
What Friends Say: “Your home is so welcoming and cozy!”
Get the look! → Airy, Bright & Chic
Biggest Embarrassment: The carpet. We do not like carpet but because it is a rental, we could not change it. We incorporated a huge rug in the living room and many rugs in the kid’s bedroom as well.
Proudest DIY: Decorating our apartment following our personality and story.
Biggest Indulgence: The painting that we bought during our trip in Senegal in 2011, which we have yet to hang.
Best Advice: Less is more and details are everything!
Dream Sources: Every flea market all over the world, Anthropologie, ABC Carpet and Home
Thanks, Celine and Christian!
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